The Volcanic Alert Level for Whakaari/White Island has been lifted to 3 and the Aviation Colour Code set to Orange after ash was seen within a low-level plume this morning.

Photos taken near the island and pilot reports indicate ash is being emitted from the main vent area. Images show ash settling on the crater floor, with no major changes to the vent and no rocks observed being ejected. Satellite data is also detecting small amounts of sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere. Together, the observations point to a non-explosive, weak eruption.

With current winds and the forecast for the next few days, minute traces of ash could reach parts of the Bay of Plenty coast, but ashfall is unlikely to be noticeable at ground level. Officials note activity at Whakaari could escalate with little or no warning, primarily affecting the crater floor and immediate vicinity of the island, with a low likelihood of ashfall on the mainland.

Scientists plan to carry out a gas-measuring and observation flight as soon as weather allows. Forecast conditions are expected to limit clear GeoNet camera views and satellite imagery, and near-island observations are unlikely in the short term. Monitoring remains constrained by a lack of real-time sensors on the island, so agencies are relying on remote cameras, satellite data, and periodic observation and gas flights.

Whakaari will remain at Volcanic Alert Level 3 and Aviation Colour Code Orange until better observations are possible in the coming days. Any potential aviation impacts will continue to be assessed and communicated by MetService’s Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.